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Dear helpful people,

I'm new to this list, not a diagnosed coeliac but trying a gluten free diet
for the past two weeks.  This has worked wonders as far as general
well-being, energy and mood go, but not so far for IBS.  Over the past few
years, I have been suffering from many health problems: IBS, chronic fatigue
syndrome, skins allergies, facial neuralgia, endless headaches, recurrent
swollen glands, low-grade fever, not to mention the depression all this
misery brings.

I am hoping someone could answer two questions for me:

1.  I have had a blood test for coeliac disease, but it was negative.  Is it
possible to have a negative blood test and still have this disease?  Would
it be worth pressing for the biopsy, given the negative result? I had to
press for a blood test in the first place!  (I have been assessed by a
gastro for IBS, but not for coeliac, as far as I'm aware.)

2.  I appreciate that if someone is a coeliac that they should avoid all
gluten for life, to maintain health, but are small amounts (like you might
get in a sauce) positively dangerous if eaten, say, once every month
accidentally?  Are we talking true allergy here, with a possible serious
life-threatning anaphylaxis?  Has anyone experienced a serious reaction
after eating a trace amount of gluten?

I'd love to hear from others who can help and advise.

Best wishes and congratulations on such an important list.

Julie

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